Hawaiian Meatballs: A Tropical Delight in Your Kitchen
Embark on a culinary journey to the Hawaiian Islands with these delectable Hawaiian Meatballs, where the savory flavors of lean ground beef and the tropical sweetness of pineapple come together in perfect harmony, all enveloped in a luscious orange Teriyaki sauce. While the original recipe calls for ground chicken, a delightful substitution of ground pork enhances the rich flavors, creating a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to a beachside luau. If you’re also curious about a meatloaf variation, be sure to check out the Glazed Hawaiian Meat Loaf recipe.
Cook Time
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description
These Hawaiian Meatballs are flavorful orbs made from a blend of meats, fresh ginger, and crushed pineapple, offering a burst of tropical sweetness in each bite. They are perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, and they pair beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470.4 |
| Total Fat | 17.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 169.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1456.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugars | 13.9 g |
| Protein | 37.5 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 ½ cups | Lean ground beef |
| ½ cup | Ground pork (substituting for chicken) |
| 1 ½ cups | Crushed pineapple (drained) |
| 1 | Onion (finely chopped) |
| ½ cup | Celery (finely chopped) |
| 2 | Eggs |
| ¼ cup | Milk |
| ¾ cup | Reduced sodium soy sauce |
| ¾ cup | Fresh ginger (grated) |
| 2 tbsp | Cornstarch |
| ¼ cup | Water |
| 1 | Orange (juiced) |
| 2 tbsp | Mirin |
| ¼ cup | Brown sugar |
| 2 | Fresh garlic (minced) |
| ¼ cup | Scallions (sliced for garnish) |
Instructions
Meatballs:
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot and ready for the meatballs, which will help achieve a perfect browning on the outside.
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Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, ground pork, crushed pineapple, chopped onion, chopped celery, eggs, milk, ¾ cup of reduced sodium soy sauce, and freshly grated ginger. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
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Shape the Meatballs: Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter, or to your preferred size. Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.
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Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of the meatballs, so keep an eye on them.
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Simmer in Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. After baking, remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large skillet or saucepan. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and let them simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the meatballs have simmered, remove them from the heat and sprinkle sliced scallions on top for an added crunch and burst of flavor. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Sauce:
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Combine Cornstarch and Water: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until well combined, forming a slurry that will help thicken your sauce.
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Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the remaining soy sauce, orange juice, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and additional freshly grated ginger. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is boiling, gradually add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should take just a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These Hawaiian Meatballs are best served warm, and they can be enjoyed as a main dish or as an appetizer for a festive gathering. Pair them with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce or serve them on toothpicks for easy snacking. Additionally, they can be accompanied by a refreshing side salad or grilled vegetables to balance the rich flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Meatballs recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that will surely impress your family and friends. The combination of meat, fresh ingredients, and a sweet-savory sauce captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t forget to share the love of this recipe with those who matter most!
